In a decision that marks a significant shift in how France addresses sexual assault in the film industry, a Paris criminal court on May 13, 2025, found legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of a 2021 film. The actor, now 76 years old, was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence, required to register as a sex offender, and ordered to pay damages.
The ruling is being called one of the most high-profile #MeToo-related convictions in France—a country where, until recently, cultural deference to powerful men often overshadowed accountability for sexual misconduct.
What the Court Found: Details of the Assaults
Assault During the Filming of Les Volets Verts
The assaults occurred on the set of Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), a 2021 drama directed by Jean Becker. The two victims were both women working behind the scenes of the production.
One victim, Amélie K., a 54-year-old set decorator, told the court that Depardieu trapped her in a narrow space between his legs, groped her repeatedly, and made explicit sexual comments, leaving her terrified.
“I was paralyzed. I couldn’t move. He was laughing,” she said, recalling the moment during her testimony.
The second victim, a 34-year-old assistant director, testified that Depardieu touched her breasts and buttocks on three occasions, making her feel violated and objectified.
Both women said they were too shocked and afraid to speak out at the time of the incidents but were later encouraged by the rising visibility of France’s #MeToo movement.
The Verdict: A Judge Speaks Out on Consent
In issuing the sentence, Presiding Judge Thierry Donard delivered a scathing critique of Depardieu’s behavior and mindset:
“He does not seem to have grasped either the concept of consent or the deleterious and traumatic consequences of his behavior toward the women he assaulted.”
The judge emphasized that the court was not punishing flirtation or outdated social norms, but rather repeated, non-consensual sexual acts in a professional setting.
Although Depardieu was not present in court during the verdict, his lawyer immediately filed an appeal, maintaining the actor’s innocence. Depardieu had argued during trial that touching a person’s buttocks did not amount to sexual assault and suggested that “some women are too easily shocked.”
This dismissive defense only served to reinforce the gravity of the offenses in the court’s eyes.
Additional Sentencing Measures
Alongside the suspended prison sentence, Depardieu has been:
- Fined €29,040 (approx. $32,000)
- Ordered to undergo psychological treatment
- Barred from holding public office for two years
- Added to France’s national sex offender registry
He was also instructed to avoid contact with the two victims.
Who Is Gérard Depardieu?
Depardieu is one of France’s most prolific actors, with a career spanning five decades and more than 200 films, including international hits like:
- Green Card
- The Last Metro
- Cyrano de Bergerac (which earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards)
He was once viewed as a national treasure. But over the past decade, his reputation has deteriorated amid a growing number of allegations.
Depardieu has also been a polarizing figure off-screen. In 2013, he accepted Russian citizenship, granted by President Vladimir Putin, after a public dispute over French tax policy. He has also made inflammatory political and social comments that drew backlash over the years.
More Allegations: The Charlotte Arnould Case
The recent conviction may not be the end of Depardieu’s legal troubles.
Charlotte Arnould, a 29-year-old actress, has accused Depardieu of raping her twice in 2018 at his Paris home. That case is still under investigation, with French prosecutors now saying they are prepared to bring it to trial.
Arnould has said publicly that she felt compelled to speak out because staying silent would be “betraying other women.”
Over 20 women have come forward with accusations of sexual misconduct or assault by Depardieu. However, not all have filed legal complaints, citing fears of retaliation or skepticism from authorities.
Public Opinion Divided, But Slowly Changing
Support from Celebrities
During the investigation and trial, Depardieu received vocal support from prominent figures in French arts and politics. Over 50 celebrities, including former First Lady Carla Bruni, signed a letter decrying the “lynching” of Depardieu in the press.
Brigitte Bardot, now 90, caused outrage when she told BFM TV, “Those who have talent and grope a girl get thrown into the gutter.”
This generational and cultural divide over what constitutes sexual misconduct has been a central issue in France’s slow #MeToo evolution
Women’s Rights Groups Applaud the Verdict
Women’s rights campaigners say this case marks a turning point. French society has long been criticized for brushing off allegations of sexual assault, especially in elite circles like politics, media, and cinema.
“It’s truly a victory and a step forward. We’re making progress,” said Amélie K. after the verdict.
Legal expert and victim advocate Carine Durrieu Diebolt added that the outcome “demonstrates the end of impunity for even the most powerful men in the film world.”
A Broader Shift: France’s #MeToo Movement Gains Ground
While the #MeToo movement gained swift traction in the United States following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, France was initially slow to follow. Social and cultural norms around “seduction” and “artistic freedom” often shielded high-profile figures from scrutiny.
However, things are changing. Recent years have seen:
- High-profile rape cases brought against powerful politicians
- Outcry against public broadcaster Radio France for covering up misconduct
- Increased public demonstrations led by women’s rights groups
Depardieu’s conviction may now serve as a benchmark case for future prosecutions and for broader reforms in France’s film and entertainment industry.
What Happens Next?
Depardieu is expected to appeal the verdict, which means the legal process may continue for months or even years. Meanwhile, prosecutors are advancing the separate rape investigation, and other potential victims may yet come forward.
The actor’s career has already suffered. Multiple film projects were canceled or postponed during the trial, and streaming services have pulled some of his past films.
Whether Depardieu ever returns to public life remains uncertain—but the message from France’s judiciary is now clear: no one is above the law.
The Information is Collected from CBS News and Sky News.
